WATCH: Artemis II crew arrives back to Houston after the dramatic Pacific splashdown

ABC News
April 12, 2026
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The Artemis II crew returned to Houston for a press conference after their Pacific splashdown.

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The Artemis II crew returned to Houston and held a post-mission press conference less than 24 hours after their dramatic Pacific splashdown. This event marks the successful conclusion of their mission, which involved reentry and landing in the Pacific Ocean. Their appearance confirms the crew's safe return following their spaceflight. The press conference allowed the crew to share their initial experiences and insights from the mission.

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Artemis II Crew Returns to Earth

The Artemis II crew has successfully returned to Earth after a record-breaking nine-day voyage around the Moon, splashing down in the Pacific Ocean. The four astronauts were welcomed home in Houston to widespread cheers, marking a significant milestone in NASA's lunar exploration program and renewing focus on the space race with China.

Global Power Shifts

Tracking the changing dynamics of global power, including US-China competition, Russia's geopolitical moves, shifting alliances, NATO developments, and the emergence of new power blocs reshaping the international order.

Artemis II Crew Returns After Successful Moon Mission

The Artemis II crew has successfully completed its record-breaking nine-day voyage around the Moon, culminating in a splashdown in San Diego. The astronauts were welcomed home in Houston to cheers, marking a significant milestone in space exploration and reigniting discussions about the space race with China.

Artemis II Crew Returns to Earth

The Artemis II crew successfully completed their mission, returning to Earth with a splashdown in San Diego, witnessed by many. The astronauts, who completed a record-breaking trip around the Moon, were welcomed home in Houston, marking a significant milestone in the renewed space race.

Artemis II Crew Returns After Moon Mission

The Artemis II crew successfully completed their record-breaking voyage around the Moon, splashing down in San Diego. The astronauts were welcomed home in Houston, marking a significant milestone in space exploration and highlighting the renewed space race.

Artemis II Crew Returns Home After Successful Moon Mission

The Artemis II crew successfully completed their nine-day voyage around the Moon, splashing down in San Diego to cheers and nationwide attention. The mission marks a significant milestone in human space exploration and has reignited discussions about the ongoing space race with China.

Artemis II Mission Returns from Lunar Flyby

The Artemis II crew has successfully completed its historic lunar flyby, traveling farther from Earth than any human before. Astronauts are now returning to Earth, sharing new images from the far side of the Moon and making a long-distance call to the International Space Station.

Artemis II Crew Returns After Record-Breaking Lunar Mission

The Artemis II crew successfully completed their record-breaking lunar mission, returning to Earth with a splashdown in San Diego. The astronauts were welcomed home in Houston, marking a significant milestone in space exploration and reigniting discussions about a new space race with China.

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